In March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic first reared its ugly head, sports collectors young and old started coming out of the woodwork.
After scouring their basements, attics and garages for any trading cards or long-forgotten memorabilia during state-mandated quarantines, more and more people were becoming reacquainted with the collectibles industry.
As card grading companies were being overwhelmed with submissions, record prices were being realized for sports collectibles selling on platforms such as the Beckett Marketplace, eBay and/or via auction houses across the country.
Trading cards were suddenly redefined as “alternative assets,” much like artwork and coins.
As the spotlight shone brightly on the hobby, collectors everywhere started asking themselves one question: Should I sell? and why.
Defining the Chase
Collectors represent a diverse group. Collecting tastes can range from individual sports and favorite teams to most-liked players and flashy card designs. You have hobbyists who started their pursuit as children and have accumulated thousands of cards and/or other sports items through decades of collecting. You also have people who caught the collecting bug later in life and made strategic purchases based, in part, on an item’s investment potential. They may have acquired a game-worn jersey from a significant contest (Super Bowl, NBA Finals, World Series, etc.) or bought a limited-edition painting autographed by a beloved sports icon. Many in the latter group tend to sit on their purchases and wait for an opportune moment to sell.
Those situations could include upcoming Hall of Fame inductions or perhaps the death of a legendary player whose signature they once secured.